Highlights
Adventure
The Portofino area is a favourite with divers as the surrounding sea is a marine reserve. The crystalline green water reveals a myriad display of aquatic life – most of the water along the coast, from Santa Margherita around to Camogli, is a protected area. The headland itself is surprisingly quiet – boasting a protected park with pine and chestnut woods, olive groves and flowers – it is perfect for a nature walk. To the east of Portofino is the clutch of five picturesque villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – known as the Cinque Terre. These are linked by a coastal path that passes vineyards, sandy beaches and rocky coves. It’s a stunning route and a high point on any itinerary.
Cuisine
Portofino's restaurants specialise in seafood, especially around the chic waterfront and harbour, a favourite haunt of the ‘beautiful people’. You'll also find Genovese specialities, including Green Minestrone, on the menus of the local restaurants. During the day soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying a delicious ice-cream from Le Galeteri San Giorgio later, as dusk falls, opt for a Bellini or one of the red wines from the neighbouring Cinque Terre region. For some of the finest views secure a table at Belmond Hotel Splendido's La Terrazza restaurant on the hillside outside the centre of the village.
Sightseeing
Walk along Via Roma, passing a variety of designer shops, small boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants, until you reach the Piazza Martiri del’Olivetta – the perfect place to sit and watch the yachts moored in the marina. There are a number of relaxing boat trips along the stunning Ligurian coastline available, including sunset cruises and trips along the coast to the secluded bay of San Fruttuoso that is dominated by a medieval Abbey which is open to visitors. Genoa, about a thirty-minute drive west from Portofino, is a lively city with plenty of attractions for all the family including the aquarium in the regenerated port.
Paraggi
Portofino does not have a beach, however just a few minutes’ drive away is Paraggi – a secluded sandy cove and a real gem.